To apply for the TN Visa, go to a U.S. Class “A” Port of Entry (a border crossing which processes TN Visas) and submit your TN Visa Application with all your supporting documents to an Immigration Officer. You will be asked to wait, while an Immigration Officer reviews your TN Visa Application. You cannot apply at all border crossings
Full Answer
How do I apply for a TN1 visa?
The TN Visa Application for the TN1 Visa is very straightforward. To apply for the TN Visa, go to a U.S. Class "A" Port of Entry (a border crossing which processes TN Visas) and submit your TN Visa Application with all your supporting documents to an Immigration Officer.
What documents do I need to apply for a TN visa?
The initial TN Application is a set of free form documents showing how you qualify for the TN under NAFTA which you will submit at the border. The common documents that are usually required when applying for the TN at the border include: 1. TN Visa Application letter (see sample application letters) 2. Original Degree 3.
How long does it take to get a TN visa?
The TN Visa for Canadians now allow you to apply via mail or at a border crossing in person. If you apply by mail, it can take 2 to 3 months for processing and there is several hundred dollar application fee. At the border you will obtain the TN Visa immediately and the fee is $56 USD (includes I-94 processing fee).
Do I need a TN visa to enter the US?
If you are a Mexican citizen, then you are required to obtain a visa to enter the United States as a TN nonimmigrant. You should apply for a TN visa directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico. See the U.S. Department of State webpage, "Mexican and Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker."
Can you get a TN visa at the border?
Jun 7, 2021. Canadians applying for TN status can file the application when seeking entry to the United States at Customs and Border Protection (CBP), without needing a visa ahead of time.
How far in advance are you able to apply for the TN visa at the border?
Pre-Approval: The mail application allows for pre-approval; up to 6 months in advance.
Can I apply for a TN visa while in the US?
Applying for a TN Visa: The TN visa can be obtained inside the USA (through USCIS) or outside the USA (at port of entry or US consulate). OIS is responsible for the TN visa process regardless of whether the petition is for an employee outside or inside the USA.
Which port of entry is best for TN visa?
Ports of Entry Designated for Optimized L1/TN Processing for First-Time Canadian ApplicantsDetroit Canada Tunnel POE.Detroit Ambassador Bridge POE.Sweetgrass POE.Alexandria Bay POE.Champlain POE.Peace Bridge POE.Rainbow Bridge POE.Highgate Springs POE.More items...
How quickly can I get a TN visa?
For the most accurate processing time, check the USCIS site. However, you can opt to pay an additional fee for premium processing, which will expedite your TN petition's processing time to 15 business days.
How difficult is it to get a TN visa?
When compared to the process of obtaining other work visas, such as an H-1B Visa or an L-1 Visa, it is rather easy to get a TN Visa. In fact, in many cases you can obtain a TN Visa the same day at a qualifying port of entry.
Can I pay for my own TN visa?
With TN visas, either the employer or the employee may pay all of the costs, including attorney fees, filing fees, and miscellaneous expenses. This is true even if the case is filed with Form I-129 while the applicant is in the US. There are no rules whatsoever which govern payment of these costs.
How much does a TN visa cost?
Entering the U.S. On a TN Visa Canadian TN applicants must pay a $50 fee when entering the U.S, or $56 if crossing the border by car.
What documents are needed for TN visa?
The following documents must be provided to USCIS and/or border officials in order to be issued a TN visa: Proof of citizenship. Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application. Documentation of diplomas, degrees (and evaluations of foreign degrees if necessary), certificates, and professional memberships.
How often are TN visas denied?
In 2018, the TN approval rate was 88.2% and RFE was issued in 28.2% of cases. In 2019, the TN approval rate was 89.8% and RFE was issued in 24.5% cases. In 2020, the TN approval rate was 90.5% and RFE was issued in 23.1% cases.
Can TN visa get rejected?
An individual may be denied a TN at the border not only if his/her job or credentials do not meet the requirements for a TN, but also on account of activities occurring during past visits to the U.S. Individuals who CBP believes violated the terms of a prior visa, e.g. by working without authorization, remaining in the ...
How long is a TN visa interview?
TN interviews can be as little as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours. However, most of this time is typically spent waiting for your immigration officer before the interview or waiting for a decision after your interview.
Can I apply for TN visa at Pearson airport?
Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and Vancouver International Airport. Due to the fact that you are inspected by a CBP officer at these pre-flight clearance locations and are considered admitted to the US after an approved inspection, you can apply for a TN visa.
Do I need to book an appointment for TN visa?
If you will be applying for a TN visa or an L-1 Visa in the Port of Buffalo, you must call ahead to schedule your appointment. Walk-in appointments are not accepted.
How do I apply for a TN visa in Canada?
For Canadian citizens, the TN application can be made at the US Consulate, US point of entry, or through the USCIS with Form I-129.
Do you have a Job Offer?
One of the biggest hurdles Canadians face when looking for a job is getting a U.S. employer to hire them in spite of the TN Visa requirement. Most...
Do you Qualify for the TN Visa?
It is critical that you qualify for the TN Visa. What most people do not realize is that the job must also qualify under NAFTA. This is explained f...
Are You Applying by Mail or at the Border?
The TN Visa for Canadians now allow you to apply via mail or at a border crossing in person. If you apply by mail, it can take 2 to 3 months for pr...
How to prepare for the Border Interview?
Most people are not prepared for the border interview. People assume if they have their TN Visa Application and present it at the border they will...
How to create a letter for a TN visa?
The TN Visa is unlike most U.S. immigration visas. Whether you apply by mail or in person, you will need to complete a free form application letter...
Application Process For Canadian TN Worker Coming from Canada
A Canadian professional worker may be admitted to the U.S. without advance petition approval or labor certification. In order to apply, the Canadia...
Application Process For Canadian TN Worker Already in The U.S.
If the worker is already lawfully present in the U.S. (that is, hasn’t overstayed a permitted entry), the U.S. employer can apply for a change of v...
Documents to Include in Application For TN Status
The applicant will need to have a valid Canadian passport, and supply the following documents: 1. a job offer letter describing the proposed employ...
Entry to The U.S. and After
Upon entering the U.S., the Canadian TN professional will be given an I-94 card (or if entering the U.S. after spring 2013, the professional will b...
When to request a TN visa?
It is important to understand you should request the TN Visa when you are ready to move to the US, not simply to cross the border, obtain the TN Visa and then return to Canada for a period of time. Most Immigration Officers will deny your TN visa request and tell you to come back when you are ready to move.
What documents are needed to get a TN visa?
The common documents that are usually required when applying for the TN at the border include: 1. TN Visa Application letter (see sample application letters) 2. Original Degree. 3. Supporting documents. 4. Marriage certificate if applying for a TD Visa.
Why are people denied TN visas?
Most people are denied because their documentation did not correctly show how they and the job qualify for the TN Visa. The initial TN Application is a set of free form documents showing how you qualify for the TN under NAFTA which you will submit at the border. 1.
How successful is the TN visa expert kit?
Get the TN Visa Expert Kit. It has a 99.6% success rate . It will provide you with step-by-step instructions to create your Application letter as well as sample application letters and important border information to help you be prepared for the border interview.
How to apply for a TN1 visa?
To apply for the TN Visa, go to a U.S. Class “A” Port of Entry (a border crossing which processes TN Visas) and submit your TN Visa Application with all your supporting documents to an Immigration Officer.
What is TN visa expert application kit?
The TN Visa Expert Application Kit – Platinum Edition provides several TN Visa sample employer letters and you will receive a custom TN Visa sample letter for the NAFTA Occupation you are applying for.
Why do people get denied TN visas?
Not being prepared is what causes most people to be denied. First, their TN Visa Application with supporting documents is incomplete, not valid or does not look very professional. Second, at the border they say the wrong thing or they behave inappropriately.
What is a TN employer letter?
The TN Visa Employer Letter is a key component of the TN Visa Application. In addition to the interview at the border, the success of your TN Visa application hinges on the strength of your Employer letter. Through it you must demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria set forth by NAFTA.
What is a TN visa?
The TN visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to ease the path toward a visa for professional-level workers from Canada as well as Mexico. As of July 1, 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA including the provisions that govern the TN visa. The TN regulations can be found in Chapter 16 of the USMCA, and they remain largely the same as was provided in NAFTA with only minor changes to the list of professions that qualify for TN status. The TN visa offers Canadians a more direct way to obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant (temporary) visa than traditional work visas such as the H-1.
What to do if you have a TN visa denied?
Another option, which is especially useful if you've had a TN visa denied at the border, is to apply ahead of time, through USCIS. You'll then need to present your approval notice to CBP when you seek U.S. admission.
What if you're denied at the border?
What if you're denied at the border? If the officer tells you that your application lacks a certain element, or needs clarification that you can provide through further documentation, your best bet might be to return home, gather the requested information, and try again.
Where to send I-129 extension?
To file for an extension, the employer must send Form I-129, together with the same types of documents used for the initial application, to the USCIS Vermont Service Center. Alternatively, an applicant who doesn't mind leaving the U.S. can request an extension by departing before the expiration of TN status and visiting a U.S. consulate in Canada.
Can a TD visa be used to bring a spouse to the US?
TN visa recipients can also bring their spouses and children to the U.S. (in TD status) by providing proof of the family relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate, within the application process. Family members with TD status cannot legally work in the United States.
What is TN visa?
The TN Visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in order to facilitate temporary employment in the United States for approved Canadian and Mexican citizens. The purpose was to strengthen business and trade relations between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How to renew TN visa?
The process of renewing or extending your TN status can be carried out by filing Form I-129H1 along with proof of the TN status holder’s education/citizenship and a letter addressing the need for the extension. At the point in which the job or TN status officially expires, individuals are required to leave the country. Unlike the H-1B grace period, TN visas do not have this leeway period.
How many professions qualify for a TN visa?
Here is a list of the 60 professions that qualify you for a TN visa:
Can a spouse work in the US with a TD visa?
The TN visa holder’s spouse and/or children under the age of 21 may be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status. This status allows dependents to enter the U.S. with the TN visa holder and be granted the same period of stay. There are some restrictions to the TD nonimmigrant status for dependents. Spouses and children are not permitted to work while in the United States, but they are permitted to study.
What documents are needed to get a TN visa?
The common documents that are usually required when applying for the TN at the border include: 1. TN Visa Application letter (see sample application letters) 2. Original Degree. 3. Supporting documents. 4. Marriage certificate if applying for a TD Visa.
Why are people denied TN visas?
Most people are denied because their documentation did not correctly show how they and the job qualify for the TN Visa. The initial TN Application is a set of free form documents showing how you qualify for the TN under NAFTA which you will submit at the border. The common documents that are usually required when applying for the TN at ...
How successful is the TN visa expert kit?
Get the TN Visa Expert Kit. It has a 99.6% success rate . It will provide you with step-by-step instructions to create your Application letter as well as sample application letters and important border information to help you be prepared for the border interview.
How long does it take to get an immigration application?
Answer: There is no defined time, but Immigration Officers will approve your application 1 week before the start date. If you attempt to apply 2 weeks or more, you may be told to come back closer to your start date.